Yamaha’s entry-level MT-03 is an MT-styled derivative of the YZF-R3. It returns as an approachable, entertaining, and affordable naked bike for zipping around town or slaloming mountain roads.
The MT-03 is powered by the same 321cc liquid-cooled DOHC parallel twin as the R3, so the configuration is familiar to those who have cross-shopped the two street bikes: fuel injection, a 11.2:1 compression ratio, and oversquare piston dimensions. While the rider is busy putting the peppy 37-horsepower to work on roads, the engine will be sipping from its 3.7-gallon fuel tank. The claimed 56 mpg isn’t out of the question when the bike’s ridden under highway speeds at constant throttle.
Related: 2020 Yamaha MT-03 Review MC Commute
An inverted 37mm KYB fork and shock contribute to the MT’s flickable handling since it first hit the stateside market in 2020. The fork continues to offer 5.1 inches of travel and there’s 4.9 inches of travel for the preload-adjustable shock.
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A wide, motocross-style handlebar gives the MT its relaxed ergonomics compared to the lower-slung clip-ons of the YZF-R3. Its chiseled tank leads down to a seat that’s approachable at 30.7 inches high (like the 321cc sportbike).
A 298mm floating front disc brake and 220mm rear disc is responsible for bringing the MT to a halt. Standard front and rear anti-lock braking system (ABS) is something that safety-conscious riders will appreciate, especially when panic braking or low traction scenarios arise.
The range of color choices remains the same as last year (visuals of all three are below the spec sheet). MSRP is $4,999, no matter the color.
2023 Yamaha MT-03 Technical Specifications and Price
| PRICE: | $4,999 |
|---|---|
| ENGINE: | 321cc, DOHC, liquid-cooled parallel twin; 4 valves/cyl. |
| BORE x STROKE: | 68.0 x 44.1mm |
| COMPRESSION RATIO: | 11.2:1 |
| FUEL DELIVERY: | Fuel injection |
| CLUTCH: | Wet multiplate clutch |
| TRANSMISSION/FINAL DRIVE: | 6-speed/chain |
| FRAME: | Diamond-type tubular steel |
| FRONT SUSPENSION: | 37mm KYB inverted telescopic fork; 5.1-in. travel |
| REAR SUSPENSION: | Monocross single shock, preload adjustable; 4.9-in. travel |
| FRONT BRAKE: | 298mm hydraulic disc w/ ABS |
| REAR BRAKE: | 220mm hydraulic disc w/ ABS |
| WHEELS, FRONT/REAR: | 17 in. / 17 in. |
| TIRES, FRONT/REAR: | 110/70-17 / 140/70-17 |
| RAKE/TRAIL: | 25.0°/3.7 in. |
| WHEELBASE: | 54.3 in. |
| SEAT HEIGHT: | 30.7 in. |
| FUEL CAPACITY: | 3.7 gal. |
| CLAIMED WET WEIGHT: | 373 lb. |
| WARRANTY: | 1 year |
| AVAILABLE: | Now |
| CONTACT: | yamahamotorsports.com |
Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com